This Spring/Summer, we see a nostalgic wander through the archives of fashion landing us right back to the Seventies. However, (and ignore the pun), we should have seen this retro revival coming… It’s happened once or twice before. In 2011 for example, with those head-to-toe crochet looks debuted by Christopher Kane, and later Marc Jacobs’s Seventies-inspired louche, long dresses that slunk down his catwalk. Then, AW14 brought the flared A-line coats and skimpy hemlines which showed that well loved Louis Vuitton early-Seventies vibe. Meanwhile, Saint Laurent eased us into the idea of paying ready-to-wear prices for sharp, vintage-inspired pieces.
Christopher Kane’s head to toe crochet look for AW11
Louis Vuitton’s Return to Retro 2014
Fringing and flaring is now becoming part and parcel of in-season trends, instead of just seeming like a costume. Vogue questions:
“Why are designers so inspired by a wardrobe that has gone before?”
Part of the answer to that question lies in the emotion of nostalgia. “We’re living in a generation and a moment in fashion where you see a lot of nostalgia,” declares designer Jonathan Anderson “and that’s because, fundamentally, we are living in a moment where no one knows where they are going and everyone is trying to work out whether they fit.”
So what should the future look like when it’s on the runway? If you’re expecting tech – focused, inventive designs with a bit of sporty space-age silver (like McQueen’s final show), that’s just as outmoded. Instead, expect the future of fashion to be defined by passing what has gone before through a brand-new prism.
“It’s like Walter Benjamin’s Tigersprung theory, which claims fashion will jump in to the future with one eye on the past, and that’s what fashion should always do.” Laura Weir
GQ’S RETRO LOOKBOOK
Vivienne Westwood Red Label Marilyn Trousers Flower Print
Decorated in a scribble check with Trompe-l’œil style floral print, Vivienne Westwood designs this pair of elegant summer trousers. With a vintage cut, the cropped cotton-stretch trousers have a flattering straight leg and finished with a jetted pocket detail on the back.
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Realm Trousers Black
These high rise tailored Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Realm trousers comes in this season’s Cracking Wall print. The floaty mid-weight Anglomania trousers fasten with a concealed button and concealed zip fly.
Vivienne Westwood Red Carpet Floral Slik Satin Palazzo Trousers Black
Go for effortless elegance with Vivienne Westwood’s latest Red Carpet collection. Part of her Gold Label line, Vivienne Westwood designs a pair of romantic silk satin wide leg trousers. The fabric pleats on the leg to make a vivacious moving pattern. The trousers are decorated in an archived rose print. Dress with a statement clutch this Spring/Summer.
Comme Des Garcons PLAY Mens Polka Dot Cardigan Black
Comme des Garcons PLAY update their men’s knitwear offering with this new design. In soft black wool, this long sleeved mens cardigan has been decorated in a polkadot print throughout. The Comme des Garcons PLAY cardigan is finished with a black heart logo on the front.
Vivienne Westwood MAN Fernando Shirt Orange
Decorated in Vivienne Westwood’s iconic ‘Time Machine’ Orb motif, this Spring/Summer 2015 men’s shirt is the ideal go-to option to brighten up your look. With an oversized collar, the loose cut silk feel shirt fastens with pearlised buttons beneath a concealed placket.
Vivienne WestWood MAN Zig Zag Stretch Krall Shirt Black
Vivienne Westwood’s iconic three-button tall Krall shirt is the perfect addition to your Spring/Summer 2015 wardrobe. The stretch-cotton shirt is shown in Black with thick coral zig zags continuously wrapping the shirt. The collar proves rigid and the garment is finished with a coloured Orb on the chest.
Indulge in some SS15 Return to Retro gear from Garment Quarter now!
GQHQ
xox
Garment Quarter Style 